There was a pregnant pause.

“Everyone pities me,” Sora said, her voice wilting.
“Isn’t that good?” Aysen asked.
“Not for me—no…Just because I’m blind it doesn’t mean that I can’t do something. You don’t have to hold my hand while I’m walking down the hall at school; No one has to make their way for me; I can find it on my own,” Sora rested her chin on her hand. “I just wish people would think of me as independent instead of someone that just needs help.”

“That would be pretty frustrating,” Aysen said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, it is,” Sora fidgeted. There was another pause. Suddenly, she clasped Aysen’s frozen hand in her warm palm.
He gasped.

“Why are you so cold?” she asked.
“I’m the undead,” Aysen said, savoring the warmth of her hand.
“That must be frustrating,” Sora frowned.
“No kidding,” Aysen smiled grimly. He looked at her.

“Aysen?” Sora asked, suddenly insecure.
“Hmm?”
“I’m getting a very…energetic vibe from you,” Sora said.